Highlighting support for the global fight against gender-based violence, the official residence of the President of Guyana is being illuminated in orange at nights as Guyana joins the rest of world in 16 days of activism to tackle gender-based violence.

At a “light up” on Monday evening, Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana Sébastien Sigouin said Canada has been working with its partners in Guyana to address gender-based violence in a number of practical ways. 

“We have been raising awareness of young men and young women on how to prevent violence. We have trained doctors and nurses on how to identify abused women and girls, and we have also been working with the justice system to better address reports of violence,” High Commissioner Sigouin explained. 

Canada has been working with the United Nations Office here in Guyana, the Guyana Police Force and organizations such as Help and Shelter and the Justice Education System.

“One of the key lessons that we have learned from working with these partners is that eliminating gender-based violence requires leadership, it requires influence and action. But not just by our leaders, it requires that by all of us,” the Canadian High Commissioner said. 

The High Commissioner stressed that everyone can play a part in the fight against gender-based violence.

Acting UN Resident Coordinator Dr Gillian Smith said the United Nations remains supportive of the fight against gender based violence globally.

“As we light up State House in orange, we shine the light on the urgent need for action, justice, and compassion, especially for survivors. Orange represents hope and a brighter future, free from violence, a future that we would have to actively build,” the UN Resident Coordinator a.i. said. 

Dr Smith commended the Government of Guyana and the Office of the First Lady for their leadership and commitment to the fight. She said the UN will continue to work with stakeholders such as the Office of the First Lady to advance policies and strengthen support systems. 

The illumination programme was hosted by the High Commission of Canada in partnership with the Office of the First Lady.

This year marks 25 years since the UN General Assembly designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

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